Damage is suddenly not a big deal.
One of the best arguments against bleach is the fact that it will damage the hell out of your hair. There are certain things you can do to minimize this—bonding treatments like Olaplex, spreading the process over a few weeks, using coconut oil and deep conditioners, avoiding heat styling—but in the end you have to be prepared to accept irrevocably less-healthy hair. If you do it right, your hair will be prone to breakage and dryness; if you do something horribly wrong, your hair might just peace out and relocate to the floor. Either way, there’s likely a drastic haircut in your future. Why not just cut to the chase and commit to the pixie that you’re going to need anyway?
Does a short cut gives you license to do whatever you want to your hair free of consequence? Some may disagree, but I kinda think it does. I personally spend nine months out of the year torturing my hair with bleach and Manic Panic and then shave it all off in the summer so I can start fresh in the fall. Sure, it's a little drastic for most people, but you don’t need to go full-on Furiosa every few months if that’s not your style. Pixie cuts need to be trimmed more frequently than long hair, so it’s easy to stay on top of damage and keep your hair looking healthy. It also won't take long to grow out if you decide blond isn't your thing.
It's a surprisingly versatile look.
For me, there’s just something about a blond pixie. It can look chic and timeless (think: Jean Seberg, Mia Farrow, or more recently, Michelle Williams) and it can also be punk and rocker, like Robyn's and Pink's. Twiggy, Edie Sedgwick, Carey Mulligan, Jennifer Lawrence have also pulled off icy crops. I have no shame in admitting that almost everything I’ve done to my hair has been a result of being inspired by another woman who did it first (I credit Agyness Deyn and Charlize Theron for my buzzcut phase). No matter your personal style, the inspiration is endless.
So if you’re considering going blond, remember just how awesome it'll look short—and then break out those scissors.
